Using plants for security.

There are several things you can do to make your home more secure. After all the alarm systems and movement detectors are up you can make your home less desirable to thieves. Most thieves are opportunists deny them the opportunity.

Choose plants that have thorns or spines such as spiny cactus, hollies, agave,  yuccas, citrus trees, rose bushes, or thorny vines such as blackberry vines or pyracantha. I have been growing climbing rose bushes around my back windows and as a living fence. We have planted cactus to discourage people from taking short cuts through the yard. It looks very pretty while at the same time providing passive security. I don't have to complain to neighbors and they never know there was a problem. Plant a nice thorny plant in places where someone could hide! Put a big potted plant under a window on the porch! Let it spill over and be hard to move! If you have a window close to the ground plant a lovely sunny yellow rose bush! I guarantee that someone will think twice before taking that climb on and at the same time you make your home brighter and friendly to people that want to use the front door.